September

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September, 2005
Volume 5 - Issue 11
Newsletter for the Alumni and Friends of Hicksville High School
Hicksville, New York
-----------------------------------------------------The Editors:
Buffalo Bob Casale '61
Linda (Piccerelli) Hayden '60
Bob (Gleason) Wesley '61 (Web Master)
Our Email Address is: [email protected]
WELCOME TO HIXNEWS.COM
So far, the donations for the support of HixNews.Com has been GREAT!! We want to take this
opportunity to thank all of you that reached out and sent us a generous gift. Be assured that it’s taken a load
off our shoulders. We now have a bank account expressly for HixNews.Com, thanks to Chief Editor
Buffalo Bob Casale.
So, if you’d care to help us with the operating cost of HixNews, please send a small donation in the form of
a check or money order payable to Robert Casale. His address is:
Bob Casale
195 Lauman Lane
Hicksville, NY 11801-6522
Thanks to all our readers for helping us make HixNews a #1 Newsletter
Welcome Back Pat Driscoll
The Editors of HixNews would like to welcome Pat Driscoll back to the newsletter editing staff. Pat was
on the staff of the Alumni Newsletter for many years before we decided to put it online. Her expertise and
knowledge of our newsletter will be a big boost for HixNews.Com. You can read the story she sent us on
Page 4. It tells of her adventures of packing up and moving to a new home. Please send in your welcome
back e-mails to [email protected]. We’ll certainly publish them in next month’s HixNews.
Dear Alumni...
Please, when you send
correspondence about anything,
please - please put your full name,
maiden and married name, the
year you graduated, and include
your current email address.
We have problems trying to
resolve who is sending us
correspondence without this
information.
Thanks for your help.
Send stuff to:
Photo’s of the August 2005 Reunion may be
seen by going to the Upcoming Reunions page and
clicking on the links we’ve provided.
The Newsletter
New Readers
Reunions
General Info
Photo’s Page 1
In Memoria
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Honoring Our Veterans
Hall of Fame
Down Memory Lane
Photo’a Page 2
The Archives
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Birthdays &
Anniversaries
New Readers
Honoring Our
Veterans
Upcoming
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Hall of Fame
General Info
Memory Lane
Photo’s Page 1
Photo’s Page 2
In Memoria
The Archives
Is It Now??? - by Bob Gillette
When we reach our senior years, the so called, "Golden Years", we often notice that
the past 20 years have passed by a lot faster than the previous 40, and that the train is
closer to the last stop than the terminal that we originally left from!
I was snorkeling in one of my favorite places, Subic Bay in the Philippines, a little over a
year after the eruption of Mt Pinatubo. Subic Bay is a fairly large horseshoe shaped
body of water located about 3 hours by car from Manila. To me it has always looked
more like an old volcanic caldera, with the land sweeping up to craggily peaks and a
small islet rising up in the middle of the bay. On the Western open side of the horseshoe
is the South China sea, while on the Eastern belly of the horseshoe is the old US Navy
base, at the time the largest military base outside of the US. That land runs along the
Southeast side of the bay, and is attached to the city of Olongapo on the Eastern side. As
one travels North along the bay on the scenic National highway from Olangapo, you are
treated to some nice views of the bay, reminiscent of a drive along Point Loma above San
Diego in the states! About 12 miles up the road you reach Barrio Barretto, and then a few
miles further up the road, the village of Subic City. Most of the tourists, including
myself, like to hang out in Barrio Barretto, with its bars, beaches, and laid back lifestyle.
It is also where you can find many expats from the US, Australia, and Europe, and the
Americans even have a VFW post there. I like it as it is a good jumping off point for a
day of superb snorkeling in the bay! Normally, I would head out to the mouth of the bay,
where Subic bay meets the South China sea, and here the water is exceptionally clear,
and teaming with some of the worlds largest diversity of tropical and colorful fish. It is
usually about a 45 minute boat ride from Barretto out to the mouth of the bay, but
because Pinatubo created an endless line of new white sand beaches, this time we picked
a spot only about half way out.
I had last left the Subic bay area in Mar of '91, just a few short months before Pinatubo erupted. If you were
going to pick a mountain to be the next eruption, Pinatubo would be your last choice, as it was not your
classic cone shaped mountain like the mountains all around it, rather it was a low non descript collection of
rugged hills! Subic Bay prior to the eruption was more like the LI Sound, with mostly rocky boulder
strewn shoreline, and few wide sandy beaches. Now it was lined with a white sand beach front, wider in
spots than the wide parts of Jones beach on LI! And the sand was identical to the sand that I had played on
over the years at Jones beach! It was as though a mighty hand had taken all the sand from Long Island and
deposited it around the bay! I had been snorkeling in the bay about 400 feet off of the beach for about 3
hours, only picking my head out of the water perhaps a dozen times in that time frame. When I snorkel, I
don't have the tube attached to my mask, preferring instead to hold it with my teeth. When I dive down and
r
e
t
u
r
n
t
o
the surface, my head stays in the water and I blow out a, "Poof", to clear the water out of the tube. If when
you start to draw air in, you hear the rattle of water still in the tube, you repeat the process a little more
forcefully.
I came up after diving down to a coral outcrop about 20 feet beneath the surface. I cleared the tube and
started to take in air, but found the tube still had water, and so tried again! I got a mouthful of water instead
of air! I took my head out of the water to get some air, and realized that I only had the mouthpiece in my
mouth, and the tube was missing. The bay had developed a bit of a chop, and I was maybe getting a bit
tired, but if I didn't retrieve my snorkel, the rest of my trip would be ruined. Luckily, I spotted it laying
about 22 feet down next to a coral outcrop. I took a couple of deep breaths and headed down. Maybe
b
e
c
a
u
s
e
I
was tired or what, when I got to about 2 feet from the tube, I ran out of air! I spun around to go back up. I
needed air, and I needed it right now, not a half second from now, but right this instant! The surface above,
maybe 18 feet away, looked so far, far away! At that moment my mind said, "Is it now?" Is this the way
that I Die? It is amazing how much your brain can process in panic mode. On the beach they would wonder
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Is It Now - Con’t.
Then the boat driver who had been swimming near shore, now appeared close by, and
after I told him about my tube, he was able to retrieve it!
Have you had an episode where your inner voice asks, "Is it now?" Maybe you have had
a severe pain in the chest or belly or some other event that maybe made you wonder if it
was your time? The events of September 11 and the recent tsunami show that events can
happen out of the blue, when we don't expect it. Do you have a trip or voyage that you
have wanted to take, "Sometime in the future"? Maybe now is the time to do what you
have wanted to do, but have put off, before that voice in your head asks, "Is it now?".
Hall of Fame
If you’ve had an “Is It Now” story to share, please send it to:
General Info
[email protected]
Memory Lane
Photo’s Page 1
Photo’s Page 2
In Memoria
The Archives
Editor Linda (Piccerelli) Hayden ‘61 writes to Frank Scarangella
Dear Frank - The story you wrote in last months HixNews brought back so many happy
memories. I remember Miss Farley, and you were right, “she seemed to be everywhere.”
Also, you’re right about how wonderful it was there - and then. I graduated in 1960, and
have many of the same opinions as you.
Do you remember “Duck & Cover?” Somehow that didn’t scar us and we didn’t need a
team of psychological counselors. Does that mean we’re all nuts? I also played
Cowboys & Indians with a cap gun circa Hopalong Cassidy. Somehow I’ve never shot
anyone driving by or killed a schoolmate or my parents. It never crossed my mind to be
politically correct and play Cowgirls, Cowboys & Indians.
Last but not least, when I was fidgety in school, I never received drugs for some syndrome that had initials I was told to behave and that was embarrassing enough to desist whatever foolishness I was doing. Guess I
respected authority, teachers, and adults.
You mentioned minorities, and I remember some of my classmates at Lee Ave and later at Jr. High and my
1st year at HHS that there were children from migrant farm workers helping to pick potatoes for the
summer. They usually went South in October. To me they were just other classmates and friends.
Your article was a breath of fresh air. Thank you soooooooo much! - Linda (Piccerelli) Hayden ‘60
Thank you for printing my picture and update as well as the memoriam update of my best friend, Bob
Rosenfeld, who passed away on November 4th of last year. Your Newsletter is the best - No Contest!!
Keep up the great work. It pulls at the heartstrings more than you’ll ever know. - Mark (Leibowitz) Leon
‘65
From the Editors - We’d like to apologize to Mark for the error in writing the Memoriam for Marks best
Hi All - Just thought I’d add a sort of interesting turn of events in my life as a ‘62 graduate of HHS. On
July 5th, I moved from my job at the Office of the United States Trade Representative to the White House,
I am now the Director for Western Hemisphere Economics and Brazil and the Southern Cone at the
National Security Council. My White House ID badge hangs from my Hicksville High Comet’s lanyard.
So far, I think I’m the only HHS grad working here. I owe it all to Mr. Rusch’s Documents in American
History class a million years ago. - Sue (Relling) Cronin ‘62
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Birthdays &
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HixNews’ Newest Editor Pat Driscoll ‘56 Writes . . . . .
New Readers
The newsletter looks great. It is so good to watch it grow. I feel a little like a mother
with an empty nest syndrome!
Honoring Our
Veterans
Upcoming
Reunions
Hall of Fame
General Info
Memory Lane
Photo’s Page 1
Photo’s Page 2
In Memoria
The Archives
Bob Casale mentioned that I retired for personal reasons and I would like to share some
of them with you. My husband and I separated in 2002 and our divorce was final in Feb.
2004. Then came the hurricane season. My youngest daughter lives just down the road
from me in a mobile home. It is a new one with about 2600 sq. ft. and probably more
hurricane safeguards than most of the site built homes around here. However, when an
evacuation is ordered, they have to get out. So three times, my daughter, her significant
other, my two grandsons (15 and 9) and their two golden retrievers came to my do-ityourself shelter during Charlie, Frances and Jeanne. Ivan gave us one weekend without
the full force of the storm by turning westward. I told the boys that we were going to
consider this a great adventure but it got wearisome real fast when the lights and AC went
out! I think the dogs were more frightened than the rest of us and my cat hid someplace
during their visits.After the storms, it was time for cleanup and repairs. I fortunately had
minimal damage but even with the help of family and friends, still shelled out close to
$2000. My hurricane deductible was higher than that! Then everything started going up.
First the homeowners insurance, then surcharges on the electric to pay for their cleanup,
then gas which meant higher prices on food and services. Then the taxes went up. I
grumbled that I was tired of all the responsibility of being a homeowner and one of my
girlfriends mentioned that her sister was selling a condo. I went to view it and my brother
-in-law checked out construction, maintenance and management records and said, “Go
for it. It’s a good deal.”
So I put down a deposit and signed a contract and sat back to wait for 6 months while the
tenant’s house was being built. I sold my house to two investors who also were willing to
wait. Then the unthinkable happened – the owner of the condo died of a heart attack and
the property went into probate.
Finally on June 22nd, moving day arrived. Of course it rained and everybody pitched in to help the movers
get my things inside before they got wet. Most of the boxes were put into the 2 nd bedroom, no matter what
room I had written on them. It took me three days to find my hairbrush!
I am very grateful for my family, especially my sister Kathy Koziuk Hannaman ’60, who helped me get this
place organized. I am in the process of decorating and having a ball spending my kids’ inheritance.
So far, I really like living here and feel spoiled. I’ve met a few of my neighbors and they are very nice. I am
still in the same town and my daughter, sister and nephew and their families are all less than 5 miles from
the condo. My ex brother and sister-in-law are in the next town over. We are still friends and I am so
grateful for their friendship. Guess that brings you up to date on my life. Wonder what the next chapter will
bring?
How about sending a story about what’s going on in your lives. We know the alumni would love to
All About The August 20th Reunion
by Art Lembke ‘49
WOW! The August 20th reunion was a big success. I can't find words to describe it. I never dreamed
there would be that many attending. I don't have the exact count from Grace, put I know it was around 120.
It was my dream for the last 4 years, Grace and Dot made it happen. I can never thank them enough.
The food was delicious, the D.J. was great and the Open Bar wasn't bad either. As I looked over the room
watching the camaraderie along with the laughing and dancing, I could see everyone was having as great a
time as I was.
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In Memoria
The Archives
I believe I met everyone in the e-mail club, plus many others. I tried to see everyone, but
I'm sure I missed some. Joanne and I had a wonderful time and it was well worth the ride
from Maryland. Joanne is not a Hicksville Alumni and she still had a good time. That
says a lot for the reunion. I'm also getting e-mails from classmates expressing their thanks
to Grace and Dot, saying what a wonderful time they had.
The only sad part of the night was for those that had to cancel due to health and family
problems. To those I wish the best and a speedy recovery. There is one part of the night
I'll never forget, which came near the end of the night. They got me out on the dance
floor (you know I had to be pumped up) and we were in a circle dancing while someone
would dance in the center. If you wanted to see someone dance you should have seen
"Mootsie" Thomas dance. Mootsie and I were neighbors and grew up together as kids.
Then there was Bobby Thomas. It was great seeing him after all these years. I've been in
Maryland for 45 years and enjoy it, but when they played and we sang and danced to
"New York - New York." I realized I was still a New Yorker.
The " SHOCK" of the night came right before the circle dance. I was called up and was
given a "Recognition Award". Tommy Fellenz made the presentation and he did an
outstanding job and presented me with a plaque. What a beautiful plaque and for those
that weren't there, I'll write what is inscribed on it:
To Art Lembke
Presented with our sincere appreciation for your tireless dedication for starting and
continuing the Hicksville High E-mail Club and to acknowledge your successful
efforts in promoting the August 20, 2005 Hicksville High School Class Reunion.
Hicksville High E-mail Club and Hicksville High Classes of '49 & '50
I was so shocked I didn't know what to say. I wish I would have known about it and had a thank you speech
prepared. Till this day I don't know what I said. I would like to share this award with Grace & Dot, I
promoted it but without them it would never had happen. I thank you one and all! The e-mail club is a lot of
work, but when your working at something you enjoy and it is rewarding...it's not work at all. I call it a
labor of love.
The club not only passes out news which is good, but it also brings classmates together. When I get e-mails
like the one I received from Dot (Kunz) Drago, it makes it all worthwhile. The club brought Dot and the
late Bobby Marrs('49) together. They were not only classmates, but neighbors and had lost touch over the
years. Dot couldn't thank me enough and was thrilled when they met for lunch.
Then Grace Way joined them and I was hearing the three of them were having lunch. This is the strange
part. Later on I get an e-mail from Dot saying we decided to go ahead and have that reunion you've been
wanting. Well you know how I felt when hearing that? My only question was I don't think we can find
enough people interested. Dot wrote back, “It's going to be great,” and she was right. It's strange the way
things come about sometimes. The e-mail club wouldn't be anything without all of you. It's growing in
quality not quantity (38 e-mail addresses), I couldn't ask for a better group of members.
I thank you one and all from the bottom of my heart for making it possible. - Keep in Touch, Art Lembke
If you’d like to join the e-mail club, write to Art at:
[email protected]
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The Archives
The Mid Life Crisis Band
Several years ago we featured a group of musicians who were “coming out of the
closet”, so to speak after many years of idle time. Editor Bob Casale, along with many
Hicksville High alumni, had the privilege of seeing them perform at various Long Island
pubs and at other arenas. There is an aspect of their relationship with Long Island that
has resurfaced recently, and warrants some special recognition.
Bob says, “I was listening to KJOY one Sunday morning. They have a community
affairs hour that features groups and organizations in the Metropolitan New York area. I
was doing two things at once and heard mention of The Mid Life Crisis Band. That
certainly caught my attention because the group we featured years ago was Anton Mure
and his Mid Life Crisis”.
“The guest on the show was Artie Schwartz who was representing the group. The reason
they were being featured is because of their involvement with Breast Cancer Research. I
contacted Anton, and he provided HixNews with the following information.”
We are playing in the Bahamas at a resort called “Breezes” . . . . . all inclusive 4 days/3
nights in January, 2006. The package goes for $875 per person, and a portion of the
proceeds goes to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
The fund raiser was started by a friend whose son passed away. We got the gig in the
Bahamas through our agent after the resorts reps judged multiple Long Island groups.
Currently it is advertised on KJOY, The ‘Q’, 95.5 and 95.9 FM.
Right now we’re working on an appearance at Good Morning, America, and we’ll
continue to promote it at our gigs. More than 100 people from our following are already signed up, and
we expect that number to rise considerably by December.
The Band Members
Anton Mure - Lead Vocals
Dan “Desi” Cavaluzzo - Guitar/Vocals
Neal “Monster” Platt - Keyboards/Vocals
Artie “Leadbelly” Schwartz - Bass/Vocals
Tom “Big Daddy” Motyka - Lead Guitar
Lou “The Metronome” Toplin - Drums
These guy have been in the music business forever and have earned their nicknames. An interesting aside “Monster” Platt is the one band member who won’t fly in an airplane. He had a bad experience many years
ago while he was piloting a Piper Cub. He’ll only travel by car, train, or boat, so he’s taking a train to
Florida and then boarding a ship for the Bahamas.
We salute Anton and all the members of The Mid Life Crisis Band for their support of one charity that
needs help in finding the cure. You can support the band by attending some of their gigs. On Saturday,
Sept. 3rd at the Hicksville Fire Dept. Labor Day Party (Peppercorn’s parking lot) from 6 PM `til ?. They’ll
also be playing at Singleton’s on September 23rd from 6-11.
Let’s Support Them - The Editors
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D o n a tio n s From H i ck s v i l le Alu m n i
Victor & Arlene Sahadachny ‘57
Chet Nichols ‘58
Joe & Sharon Carfora ‘62
Bob & Lorraine Briell
Pete Foster ‘57
Norm Nichols ‘52
James & Dianne Rubins ‘67
Chris Andersen ‘67
Christine (Heidt) Beasey ‘59
Helen (Mangialomini) Coulmas ‘60
Carolyn (Wood) Imbrie ‘63
Madeline (Bianco) DeLouisa ‘60
Robert & Dorothy Klewicki ‘54
Nancy (North) Park ‘61
Art Lembke & Irene Hall ‘49
Elaine (Grecz) Libert ‘62
Lorraine (Kalen) Lowen ‘66
Sue (Jonnson) Postel ‘66
Michael & Lora Cava ‘66
Pat (Koziuk) Driscoll ‘56
Rudolf & Dolores (Etzel) Frey ‘54 - ‘56
Cecelia M. Horn ‘49
Tom & Eileen (Greenberg) Ingala ‘61
Minerva Kassinger ‘54
John Turi ‘61
Anonymous
The Staff of HixNews.Com Thanks These Folks For Helping Us Out
In Memoria
The Archives
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Birthdays In September
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In Memoria
The Archives
2 - June Olsen Cullen, 1958 (FL)
2 - Joanne Picari Skelly, 1964 (SC)
6 - Tom Mullin, 1967 (HX)
8 - Sue Kotowski Athenas, EMHS 1976 (L.I.)
8 - Doris Williamson Tully, 1960 (NJ)
9 - Barbara DiBella Dowd, 1962 (FL)
10 - Eileen (O'Halloran) Holmes, 1961 (FL)
11 - Chris Thiel, 1961 (FL)
13 - Claramae Gross Cervino, 1964 (L.I.)
14 - Harry Al Athenas, 1974 (L.I.)
14 - Joe Carfora, 1962 (NC)
15 - Pete Foster, 1957 (FL)
15 - Larry Senn, 1964
17 - Dianna White (CA)
18 - Karen Hubner Jenkins, 1962 (L.I.)
20 - Bob Dierker, 1962 (L.I.)
24 - Michael Patoka, 1965
25 - Lily Collazo Bornstein, 1969
28 - Gail Fallon Hessel, 1955
29 - Joan Malfatti Morgan, 1960 (GA)
30 - Art Lembke, 1949
30 - Jan Breeden Manaskie, 1962 (HX)
30 - Cathy (Ofenloch) Gensinger, 1966
Anniversaries In September
9/2/1990 - Jack and Lauri Bellan
9/4/1965 - Karen (Hubner) and Myron Jenkins, (L.I.)
9/6/1997 -Rose (Oswald) and Chris Colasunno (VA)
9/8/1956 - Barbara (Fellows) and Charlie Cava (FL)
9/9/1978 - Terri (Ellis) and Steve Riscica
9/10/1966 - Barbara (Barnett) and George Edwards (NY)
9/10/1977 - Jan (Bartlett) and Arthur "Woody" Wood (HX)
9/11/1982 - ? and Laurie (Maurice) Churchill (PA)
9/13/1958 - Rudy and Dolores (Etzel) Frey (FL)
9/15/1984 - Howard and Alison (Weiss) Bell (L.I.)
9/19/1970 - Lorraine and Bob Briell (OH)
9/23/1961 - Ed and Mary (Fuller) Osborne (CO)
9/30/???? - Susan (Ambrico) and Jeff Smith (CA)
Send Your Birthdays & Anniversaries to: [email protected]
And don’t forget to include your maiden name, year of graduation and the state you live in. - THANKS
A Note From Editor Pat Driscoll
Dear Friends - Having just come out of retirement and taking over the Birthday & Anniversary lists, I’ve
noticed that we’ve missed a few of your birthdays. Happy belated birthday from the Editors of HixNews.
Mike Anselmo ‘59 - August 25
Robert Briell ‘65 - August 12
Eileen (Ofenloch) Pelcher ‘73 - August 11
Donna Ollins ‘69 - July 30
Mike Ollins ‘63 - July 12
Richard Ollins ‘60 - June 22
Mary Ann (Valina) Smith ‘61 - July 19
Mary (Fuller) Osborne ‘57 - June 23
The ‘[email protected]’ address is no longer used for correspondence.
Please use [email protected] only. - Thanx
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In Memoria
The Archives
New Readers This Month
Editor Linda (Piccerelli) Hayden Adds: To all, a hearty welcome to HixNews.Com.
We hope you will all feel free to participate with memories and thoughts that you may
have about Hicksville High, and your times growing up on the Island.
Eric ‘57 & Betty (Funfgeld) Eriksen ‘61 - Moriches, NY
Stan Bryer ‘60 - Smithtown, NY
Gary E. Weller ‘70 - Kailua, HI
Ted Jeremenko ‘77 - Seaford, NY
New Names From Classmates.Com
Editor Buffalo Bob Casale has sent emails to the following former students of
Hicksville High School to make them aware of HixNews.com. Their names were listed
as new Classmates.com members.
John Andrews ‘42
Terry (Ferrin) White ‘54
Jill (Gibbons) Tyler ‘59
James Rerisi ‘62
Francine (Carley) Elliott ‘64
Carolyn (Dunne) Grace ‘71
Thomas Bansbach ‘75
Lori (Barton) Willis ‘77
Returned Newsletter for August, 2005
Returned Newsletters for the month of August totaled 11. The list follows, and the
Editors ask that you look it over to see if you’re in contact with any of them. Have
them drop us an email with the correct information to: [email protected].
[email protected] - Sandy (Meyer) Sanger ‘77
[email protected] - Robert M. Cooperman ‘65
[email protected] - Marcia (Rubenstein) Pollack ‘65
[email protected] - Bruce Nast ‘72
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] - Margaret (Wagenheim) Manjarrez ‘64
[email protected] - James Brennan ‘62
[email protected] - Agnes (Arthofer) Tessitore ‘57
[email protected] - Dick Muller ‘56
[email protected] - Harriet Molese ‘56
People Lookin' For People
Karen Kelly '69 is looking for Ann Marie LoGatto '69 & Fran Barber ‘69
John Connelly is looking for Jennifer James '90
Bob (Gleason) Wesley '61 is looking for Jeff Foster '61
Carol (Kiever) Ohliger '57 is looking for Betty Kenny '57
Linda (Zuckerman) Rausch ‘60 is looking for Richie Bizzaro ‘60
Susan Spector ‘62 is looking for Loretta Noce ‘62
David Berger ‘65 is looking for Susan Sitzer ‘65
Ann (Krex) Friedman ‘65 is looking for Laura Krakoff ‘65 and Lynne Cohen ‘65
Betty (Gardner) Brunnel ‘72 is looking for Bob Lowig ‘71 & Janet Lowig ‘72
If anyone knows these folks, send us an email at: [email protected]
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A Story of the Congo - Part III
The Newsletter
by Buffalo Bob Casale
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
After consulting with the navigator and several other logistics people, the Captain
decided to steam up the Congo River toward Brazzaville. The hope was to get as close
as possible to Brazzaville so that the trip from ship to airplane was as painless as
possible for Ringe. The American Embassy made arrangements for a boat to meet
Liberty when she finally arrived near Brazzaville. The boat would take Ringe to an
ambulance that was waiting at the dock. The ambulance would take Ringe to the
airport.
New Readers
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Memory lane
Photo’s Page 1
Photo’s Page 2
In Memoria
The Archives
The Congo River is enormous and Liberty would have no problem steaming toward
Brazzaville. The only drawback was the available charts...none...so it was going to be a
trip made on a wing and a prayer. Because the Congo is very wide, the navigator
thought it would be feasible to stay close to the center and have a minimum risk of
running aground. The Captain said, "let's give it a shot."
Liberty entered the mouth of the Congo and began a journey that was controlled by a
spirit we pray to in times of distress and on Sunday. Time was important and Liberty
was wasting no time in getting to the boat waiting for Ringe. Our top speed I think was
close to 18 knots...we were hovering around that max. When the boat was sighted,
Liberty cut her engines and drifted forward until the strength of the Congo slowed her
foward progress. The crew was already dropping the anchor and simultaneosly
preparing to swing the emergency ladder into place.
Ringe was topside and immediately was carried down the ladder and put on the boat. I
cannot remember, to this day, who accompanied Ringe on his trip to Tripoli. He doesn't
I believe that before the anchor was at the bottom of the Congo, a flotilla of small boats and little barges
took up postion aft of Liberty. We theorized that our friends were creating a blockade. It wasn't the most
elaborate of blockades but it was done to make a point. What point was being made was established shortly
after a team of Africans stormed up the ladder to the main deck. We were told, through an interpreter, that a
team of inspectors from Leopoldville would board the following morning to inspect the ship.
The Captain immediately sent a message to the Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet
(CINCLANTFLT) advising him of the request from Leopoldville. An additional message was drafted and
sent to the Director of the National Security Agency (DIRNSA) at Fort Meade, Maryland. We were, in fact,
being controlled by two seperate entities. CINCLANTFLT responded saying that it was okay for an
i n s p e c t i o n
t e a m
t o
b o a r d
t h e
s h i p .
DIRNSA responded saying there was no way in hell that an inspection team would board Liberty.
Between dusk and dark, a plan was devised that would alleviate any problem of Liberty being inspected.
Liberty would vacate her present position under the cloak of darkness. The cloak of darkness included
preparing the ship for darkness...no light from Liberty would be visible outside the super structure of the
ship. The next few hours found the crew preparing the ship for an exodus of monumental proportions.
Curtains were drawn throughout Liberty and the ship, for all intents and purposes, disappeared.
The continuing plan called for the anchor to be raised at 2300 hours, exactly.
Raising the anchor would allow the ship to drift in the current 180 degrees so that the bow was now facing
downstream. In essence, with the anchor pulled, the ship would be pushed downstream in the direction of
the Atlantic Ocean, from whence we came.
AT 2300 hours, the ship's anchor winch began to draw the anchor from the bottom of the Congo. It was a
slow and tedious procedure, but it was working. Even as the anchor was being drawn upward, the ship
began it's movement. Liberty creaked and moaned as she turned downstream. When it was determined that
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The ship vibrated fore and aft...from foc'sle to bow...but our forward trek toward the
Atlantic Ocean had begun. There was an enormous sound that shadowed the vibration
of the ship...it was the sound of disintegrating and crunching wood and sounds we never
heard before. We could only imagine the boats and barges blockading us being
destroyed by Liberty's bow as she sought the sanctity of the Atlantic only a few miles
away.
When word was passed that we were out of the Congo and in international waters, a
cheer went up that resounded throughtout the ship. We had chanced fate and we were
successful. This was one incident that went right.
Hall of Fame
General Info
Memory lane
Photo’s Page 1
Photo’s Page 2
In Memoria
The Archives
In Honor of my Brothers
It’s been four years since my two brothers; both Korean War Veterans; have passed
away. Joe Funfgeld died on August 1st, 2001, and Eddie Funfgeld passed on
September 23rd, 2001. They were both graduates of Hicksville High School and lived
in Hicksville all their lives. They were also lifelong members of the Bethpage and
Hicksville VFW Posts. I miss you both very much and think of you often.
Your Loving Sister, Betty (Funfgeld) Eriksen ‘62
(Betty ‘62, her husband Eric ‘57, and Betty’s 10 brothers & sisters all graduated HHS)
My first duty station after boot camp in1966 was a Navy yard tugboat stationed out of Charleston, South
Carolina. Most sailors would consider this good duty, and it was. It was considered "sea duty," but the
farthest we ventured to sea was a few miles past the breakwater. Our main duty was to assist submarines
and various other naval vessels in docking alongside the pier.
We were usually back in port by 1700 (5:00 PM), thus the married sailors were able to go home "on the
beach." Myself and a couple of other young sailors lived on board the tug. We had all the comforts of
home; good food, open galley at night (just in case we needed a midnight snack), a small living space with a
T.V.,and we even had a washing machine for our laundry. Our "dryer" consisted of any device that we
could find to hang our clothes out on the fantail. On duty we adhered to the uniform regulations but off
duty, we were on our own. Personnel inspections were few and far between, and occasionally we did have
an inspection of the tugboat.
On one of these occasions, the craft master (a Senior Chief Boatswain Mate) gave me the dubious honor
of presenting the boat for inspection, alone! by myself! For some reason, the rest of the crew was allowed to
go on liberty and I was left on board alone. The inspector was supposed to arrive at 1300 (1:00 PM). Thus,
at about 1230, I donned my best inspection dungarees and proceeded to wait for the inspecting party. I
waited until about 1500 (3:00 PM)when I decided that the inspection must have been cancelled. I then
changed from my inspection dungarees to a pair of swim trunks, flip flops and my ever present white hat. I
washed a load of laundry and was hanging it out to dry on the fantail, when I turned and saw an officer and
two sailors coming aboard. One of the sailors was holding a clipboard. It was the inspecting party!
Like any good sailor would do, I dropped my laundry, stood at attention, saluted, and in my most military
voice bellowed, "YTM 527 ready for inspection sir!" "Who is supposed to be standing by for inspection,"
the officer asked. "I am," I replied, "I figured the inspection was cancelled." I cannot remember his rank,
but the officer looked at me for awhile and I wondered if there was something wrong with my swim trunks
or whether my white hat was dirty or what! He then took his recorders and inspected the tugboat, which
took most of five minutes!
We must have passed the inspection because I don’t remember anything being said about my
improper uniform. And I don’t remember ever having another inspection while I was aboard! - Mike Cava
(’66)
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The Class of 1955 is holding it's 50th reunion this year on October 15th.
Saturday morning tour of the old High School
Alumni honored at the Homecoming football game
Saturday evening banquet at Captain Bill’s - Bay Shore
‘A Video Journey - HHS Class of 1955’ will be shown after the banquet
A Sunday Brunch is planned
Contact:
Ray Muller - [email protected]
Flo (Olsen) Hogan - [email protected]
James Tweeddale - [email protected]
Hall of Fame
New This Month
General Info
1956 Hicksville High School 50th Class Reunion
Memory Lane
Photo’s Page 1
Photo’s Page 2
In Memoria
The Archives
The Class of 1956 will be holding their 50th Class Reunion on June 24th, 2006. It will
be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 45 Heitz Place, Hicksville, NY
11801. The price is $60.00/pp, and a cash bar will be available.
After the Saturday night festivities, there will be a Sunday Brunch at Shish Kabob in
Plainview, NY. A $10.00/pp deposit is required if you’d like to join us.
To read what’s on the menu for Saturday night, and to also print out your
reservation form
JUST CLICK HERE
TO SEE THE TOP 100 SONGS FOR 1965 - CLICK HERE
Check Out the Photos of the August 2005 Reunion
Chief Editor Buffalo Bob Casale took more than 100 photos at the August
2005 Reunion. Many of them are posted with Classmates.Com, and can be
viewed by clicking on the following links.
To go to the Main Album Page to see all 68 HHS photo albums
CLICK HERE
To see the specific photo album of the August 2005 Reunion
CLICK HERE
Be sure to send in your own stories and photos so we can share them
with all the readers of HixNews.Com. Send them to:
[email protected]
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The Archives
More on Tommy Sullivan & The Brooklyn Bridge
The dream of every musician - a live appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show was
realized by the Bridge within months of their formation. That national exposure led
quickly to a gold record for their first single, Worst That Could Happen. The
whirlwind of high-profile gigs that followed included many more TV appearances,
including Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, Hollywood Palace, Jonathon Winters .
The Bridge shared bills with a who's who of rock icons, allowing Tommy to perform
along with the Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Rascals, Four Tops, Linda Ronstadt, Curtis
Mayfield & the Impressions, etc. and also with mainstream entertainers like Mickey
Rooney, Carol Channing, Jerry Lewis and Danny Thomas.
Upon leaving the Bridge in the early seventies, Tommy teamed up with Mitch Mitchell
(Jimi Hendryx' extraordinary drummer) and guitarist Mike Pinera (Blues Image/ Iron
Butterfly) to create the group Ramatam for Atlantic Records.
Working directly with music industry pioneer Ahmet Ertegun and legendary producer
Tom Dowd, the Atlantic years allowed Tommy to blossom as a lead vocalist and
composer of original tunes, and to further sharpen and expand his arranging and serious
composition skills. A large number of New York Philharmonic Orchestra members
performed on three of his tunes on the second Ramatam album.
After leaving Ramatam, Tommy freelanced as a producer/arranger/session player in
various music industry projects, and started developing a career in advertising. Freelance
jingle writing and production garnered immediate local and national awards. He then
branched into scriptwriting for radio and TV, and eventually into writing, directing and
producing TV spots and national PSA's which included work with Don ("Maxwell
Smart") Adams and Burt ("Rocky"'s brother- in- law) Young.
During the O.J. trial Tommy wrote and produced the soundtrack to a hilarious music video parody for
Comedy Central , "Ka-to" (a parody of Belafonte's "Day-o"), which ran on commercial breaks during the
entire actual trial, and became their most requested feature. In the same vein he wrote(music and dialogue),
directed and produced a half hour comedy show about the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinski scandals, entitled
"Sex, Lies, and a side of fries", which included four music video parodies.
On PBS' "Shake, Rattle & Roll", the network's first 50's-60's nostalgia special, Tommy fulfilled every sax
player's fantasy: appearing with The Coasters and blowing the solo on "Yakety-yak". He arranged and
produced "Jay's Favorites" for Jay Black, which faithfully recaptured all of Jay & the Americans' greatest
hits and included some original arrangements and material previously unavailable. Having written,
produced and co-hosted Magic Moments, a weekly radio music and talk show featuring 60's singing stars
including Gary U.S. Bonds, Larry Chance, Lenny Coco, the Del-Satins, and many others.
He created Slightly Slanted News, a political and daily news parody feature which is under development in
both syndicated print and internet venues. A very rough example of some of the features is available at it's
web site-in- progress, slightlyslantednews.com.
Tommy's most recent project, the new Brooklyn Bridge CD Peace on Earth, was arranged by Tommy and
co-produced with Johnny Maestro. A compilation of faith-based material, the album combines the most
emotional singing of Johnny's career with contemporary thought-provoking
arrangements and
orchestrations. Produced over a period of three years, and finished prior to September 11, 2001, Peace on
Earth's message of hope for a better world has been inspiring comments about it's powerful relevance to 911.
(The version of You'll never walk alone used by CBS-FM included excerpts from Mayor Rudolph
Guiliani's stirring and sobering eulogy given at the first funeral services for NYPD and FDNY heroes, and
is being considered as a separate CD with all proceeds going to victim's families.) Peace on Earth features
four original tunes, including the title song by Tommy Sullivan, who considers it the finest work of his long
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Hi All - I was curious to know if anyone has any idea whatever happened to John and
Jim Cunningham - The Twin Tones? They recorded for RCA Records in the late 50’s
and early 60’s. If you can help me out I’d be eternally grateful. Please e-mail me at
[email protected]. Thanks in advance - David Frees
Hi Folks - I just received this URL from a friend of mine and thought it would be fun to
add it to the September issue of HixNews. Check it out and tell us what you think.
http://oldbluejacket.com/TakeMeBackToTheFifties.htm
Write to me at [email protected] and I’ll include your comments in next
months edition. - Bob (Gleason) Wesley ‘61
Now here’s a scary thought . . . . It’s still August and the leaves have already started
to turn up here. I live on Dannemora Mountain in the Adirondacks, and Winter comes
pretty early up here. We generally have snow on the ground by the middle of October,
and it stays there until about the middle of May. I can hear the Floridians laughin’!!!!
Hey . . . . . Thank You for putting so much work into the newsletter! It looks great and
helps us keep in touch with the East Coast and especially Hicksville. - Jim Rubins ‘67
Just letting you know that I’ve been receiving HixNews for June & July. I enjoy
reading about the past and leeping up with everyone’s current events. Keep Up The
Great Work!!! - Tony Ballacera ‘66
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading HixNews. It brings back so many great memories. I
really loved HHS, and especially loved hanging backstage with Cruscilla’s Crusaders. Those were the great
times!!
p.s. Cruscilla’s Crusaders were a group of Thespians who worked on all the shows from 1966-69. We just
hung out backstage whenever we had a free period, or somehow got out of class . . . . . Hahahahahaha.
We also spent time together out of school at the beach, each other’s houses, and taking trips to a place in
Huntington that we swore was haunted by the guy with one arm and a chainsaw.. Yes - we were slightly
ahead of our time with the Scream Movies. Anyway, we sure had a lot of laughs and a few tears backstage
at HHS. - Jeannie (Kaplan) Toplin ‘69
I was reminiscing the other day about my early teen years and how everywhere I went , I walked! Most
families' had only one car and usually the Dad used it for work. Many Mom's did not drive and if they did,
there was usually no car available for them to use anyway. My mom did not drive, so I walked.
When I reached Jr. High School, there seemed to be a party almost every Friday night. Some how I
developed a buddy system, where by a group of fellows, who had to pass my house to get to the party,
would walk me to and from the event. My mom knew all their their names and she had no Qom's about
trusting me to their care.
I don't remember the actual parties but what I do remember is the fun I had walking with the guys to and
from home. The guys would sing, acapella, the classic tunes of the day. Usually Dion or Danny and Jr.s. I
know there was a group of them,maybe 5 or 6 ,but the only fellows I remember from the group are Johnny
Depasqual and Joey Pelligrino. They graduated in 1963.
I often reminess about the wonderful times walking and singing in the fall evenings with my "protectors"
and would love to hear from them via e-mail or the Hix News. I wonder if they ever think back to that
playful innocent time, when listening to an "oldie" radio station. For me, it remains a wonderful memory of
Jr. High.
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The Farmers Market
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
Reading the Memory Lane section in July’s HixNews provided me with some
flashbacks, and also brought back some of my old memories of growing up in
Hicksville.
New Readers
Honoring Our
Veterans
Upcoming
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Hall of Fame
General Info
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The first being the ‘Farmer’s Market’ on Broadway, across the street from Grumman
Aviation. I took my first born on the Merry-Go-Round there and it was a thrill to be
able to share it, as I’ve been on it so many times when I was younger. Unfortunately it
was destroyed by fire before I could share it with my youngest, born in 1997. It was
also where I had my very first job, and to top it off, my first boyfriend!
It was the place to go for your produce, candy, Charles Chips, and to watch cartoons
while you waited for your parents as they did the shopping. As they’d say it today, “It
was the place to see, and be seen.” I used to brag that I could get from Hempstead
Turnpike (the old Mays) to my house on Valley Lane (Allied Shopping Center)
without going onto Jerusalem Ave or Newbridge Road. I also bragged about cutting
through from Jerusalem Ave to Wantagh Ave or Hicksville Road and ‘The Market’
without going to Hempstead Turnpike or Old Country Road. And how about the roller
skating rink and Jahn’s Ice Cream!!! They were the places to go on Saturday
evenings.
In Memoria
The Archives
Thanks for the opportunity to reminisce, and thank you for giving your time doing
HixNews every month. - Carolyn Bartlett ‘76
My husband Fred and I have some great memories of the Farmer’s Market. When we first married and
lived with his mother, we got a puppy. We only had it for about a month when his mother said she didn’t
want it in her house. We were heartbroken. We finally decided to bring our puppy to the Farmer’s Market
and hoped they could find a good home for it. We went home crying.
The next chance we had to go to the market we asked about our puppy, and they told us an elderly couple
saw us giving up the dog, and seeing how upset we were, they decided to take it home with them right after
we left.
We went to the Farmer’s Market almost every week-end, and stopping by the bakery was always on our list
of things to do. They had the greatest pies on the planet, and the aroma was out of this world. Just walking
down the isles was so much fun, and there was so much to see. What a great, inexpensive way it was to
spend a Saturday afternoon. - Joan (Siegl) Rudolph ‘61
Minerva (Moddle) Kassinger ‘49 is living in Bethpage. She says that Art Lembke ‘49 keeps her up to
date with everything that’s going on. She has fond memories of Miss Farley. A lot of us knew of Miss
Farley, though we never had the pleasure of having her as a teacher. I guess you could say that Miss Farley
is one of Hicksville’s legends. Minerva says she attended school in the old Jerusalem Avenue building. -
Another Friendly reminder to all our readers that we no
longer use the [email protected] address for receiving
articles and personal info updates.
Please send everything to us through the HixNews.Com
address: [email protected].
Thanks for making the change in your Address Book
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Here’s a picture of Bob (Gleason) Wesley ‘61, seated, and Capt. Frank Pabst. Frank
and Bob do a weekly television talk show that is broadcast throughout NE New York
State and Montreal, Quebec. Frank is the Skipper of a large tour boat on beautiful Lake
Champlain, and this picture was taken right after one of the shows. Bob is one of the
editors of HixNews, and is also the designer and publisher of our Website.
This is the room where HixNews becomes an actual Website. Both systems were built by
Bob and share a wireless network. The computer on the left is a dedicated system used only
for building and publishing HixNews. The one on the right is his main system that does
everything from MS Flight Simulator to Quicken. This picture was taken on a tidy day (LOL)
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Hicksville High School August 2005 Reunion
The Newsletter
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To access any of the Newsletters from August, 2000 until March, 2005
CLICK HERE
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
To access back issues of HixNews.Com, click on the issue you’d like to view
(The April 2005 Issue is only available by special request - just write us)
New Readers
This Area Is Under Construction
Honoring Our
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Actual Answering Machine Messages
Upcoming
Reunions
1. My wife and I can’t come to the phone right now, but if you’ll leave your name &
number, we’ll get back to you as soon as we’re finished.
Hall of Fame
2. A is for academics, B is for beer. One of those reasons is why we’re not here, so
leave a message.
General Info
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3. Speak.
4. Hi - Now you say something.
Photo’s Page 2
5. Hi - I’m not home right now, but my answering machine is, so you can talk to it
instead. Wait for the beep.
In Memoria
6. Hello - I’m Bob’s answering machine. What are you?
7. Hello - This is Bob. If you leave a message I’ll call you soon. If you leave a ‘sexy
message,’ I’ll call sooner!
8. Hi - Bob’s answering machine is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak very slowly, and I’ll
stick your message to myself with one of these magnets.
9. Hello - You are talking to a machine. I am capable of receiving messages. My owner does not need
siding, windows, or a hot tub and their carpets are clean. He gives charity through his office and does not
need his picture taken. If you’re still with me, leave a message and I’ll get back to you.
10. This is not an answering machine. This is a telepathic thought-recording device. After the tone, think
about your name, your reason for calling and a number where I can reach you., and I’ll think about
returning your call.
11. Hi - I am probably home. I’m avoiding someone I don’t like. Leave a message and if I don’t call you
back, it’s you.
12. Hi - This is Bob. I’m sorry I can’t come to the phone right now. Leave a message and then wait by
your phone until I call back.
13. Hello, and thank you for calling the Confessional Hotline. Father Bob can’t come to the phone right
now, but at the sound of the tone if you’ll leave your name, number and your confession, Father Bob will
return your call with absolution as quickly as possible. And don’t forget . . . . . confessions don’t count
unless you tell all of your sins, in vivid, graphic detail!
14. If you’re a burglar, then we’re home cleaning our assault weapons right now and can’t come to the
phone. Otherwise, we probably aren’t home and it’s safe to leave us a message.
15. Please leave a message. However, you have the right to remain silent. Everything you say will be
recorded and will be used by us.
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Hall of Fame
We’re very pleased to announce there are no passings this month.
The Editors would like you to know that we’re establishing a listing of those alumni
who have passed, and will honor several of them each month on HixNews.
Kindly send your listing of anyone you'd like to acknowledge to:
[email protected]
General Info
Memory Lane
Photo’s Page 1
Photo’s Page 2
The Archives
Here Is Our Listing For This Month
Mary Allen ‘61
Bonnie Auer ‘61
Mary Calhoun ‘61
Edward “Eddie” Caesar ‘61
Sally Gavril ‘62
Peter Gregoritsch ‘61
Michael “Mike” Heaney ‘62
Peter Jonsson ‘61
Ruth Kapstatter ‘61
Barbara Kliess ‘61
Carol Matthews ‘61
William “Bill” Moran ‘61
John O’Hanley ‘61
Al Stippell ‘68
David Storch ‘61
Ronnie Strockbine ‘61
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